Let Your Ideas Take Shape

Design in 2D, model in 3D, collaborate from anywhere. With the help of AI-powered insights and automations, AutoCAD lets professionals like you turn imagination into reality.


An image of a fire station retrofitted into a community hub and bookstore.
Designed and modeled in Autodesk AutoCAD, rendered in Autodesk Maya.

Meet the AutoCAD family

Woman working on an AutoCAD design file using a desktop monitor

AutoCAD

Optimize your 2D and 3D design workflows with CAD software trusted by millions. 

  • Unlock insights and automations with the help of Autodesk AI
  • Share ideas and collaborate with your peers on DWG files
  • Access specialized toolsets with industry-specific features.

Two people collaborating on an AutoCAD LT design file

AutoCAD LT

Best-in-class 2D design and drafting software.

  • Design and document with precise 2D drafting and collaboration tools
  • Work efficiently with the latest automation features, or use your own with AutoLISP
  • Collaborate with your peers securely with intuitive tools and interface.

A person working on a CAD file using AutoCAD Web

AutoCAD Web

A trusted solution for your essential design needs.      

  • Familiar AutoCAD drafting tools online in a simplified interface
  • Create, view, edit and annotate drawings from anywhere
  • Quickly collaborate with AutoCAD users on a design directly from a job site.

Choose the right AutoCAD for you

AutoCAD

Enhanced 2D and 3D design experience with insights and automations helped by Autodesk AI.

 

 /year

AutoCAD LT

Cost-effective 2D design with automation to expedite drafting.

 

 /year

AutoCAD Web

A trusted solution with core AutoCAD commands for light editing and designs.

 

 /year

AutoCAD user ratings and reviews

Capterra top performer


GetApp Best Functionality and Features


Software Advice Most Recommended


GetApp Highest Rated User Reviews


Ratings and reviews disclaimer

The Gartner Digital Markets badges from Capterra, GetApp, and SoftwareAdvice are trademarks and service marks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner Digital Markets badges constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.

Compare related products

AutoCAD

AutoCAD

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT

APIs and automation

complete
limited

Architecture design

complete
limited

Collaboration

complete
limited

Cloud and mobility

complete
complete

What sets AutoCAD apart?

AutoCAD is best-in-class 2D and 3D drafting and design software, trusted by millions of users worldwide.  No alternative CAD software has as many options to improve your team's workflows.

 

Here are six reasons to choose AutoCAD.

Person using AI powered features in AutoCAD to enhance a design file

1. AI insights and automations

AutoCAD includes AI-powered insights, machine-learning features and built in automations to help with tasks such as comparing drawings, replacing blocks, counting objects and creating schedules.


Get your AutoCAD questions answered with support options or community input

2. Access support and community

Your AutoCAD subscription lets you access a range of technical and learning support options. You can also share your knowledge, ask questions, and explore popular topics in the AutoCAD Community.


An AutoCAD DWG file

3. Best-in-class exchange with DWG

AutoCAD has TrustedDWG technology to ensure your DWGs are maintained to the highest standards for fidelity and compatibility.


AutoCAD includes seven specialized industry toolsets

4. Productivity gains with included toolsets

Customers experienced an average 63% increase in productivity when using the included specialized toolsets in AutoCAD to complete tasks.*


A person using customization features in AutoCAD.

5. Customize and automate AutoCAD

Create your own apps using the AutoCAD API or choose from over a thousand ready-to-use from the Autodesk App Store.


Two people using a mobile device to collaborate on an AutoCAD file.

6. Connected design experience

AutoCAD provides a connected design experience on the web and mobile, and enhanced team collaboration by bridging design data in a cloud-based common data environment with Autodesk Docs.


Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is AutoCAD used for?

AutoCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling with solids, surfaces, mesh objects, documentation features, and more. It includes features to automate tasks and increase productivity such as comparing drawings, counting, adding objects, and creating tables. It also comes with seven industry-specific toolsets for electrical design, plant design, architecture layout drawings, mechanical design, 3D mapping, adding scanned images, and converting raster images. AutoCAD enables users to create, edit, and annotate drawings via desktop, web, and mobile devices.

Who uses AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is used by students, architects, designers, engineers, project managers, real estate developers, and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.

What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?

AutoCAD LT is powerful 2D CAD software used for precision drafting and documentation. AutoCAD includes all the features of AutoCAD LT, plus additional features to benefit productivity such as 3D modeling and automation of repetitive processes. AutoCAD also lets you customize the user interface with APIs and add-on apps. With AutoCAD, users are able work more efficiently with seven industry-specific toolsets to enhance automation and productivity for tasks in architecture, mechanical design, electrical design, plant design, plumbing, converting raster images, geographic information systems, and 3D mapping

Can I use AutoCAD for free?

Yes. Students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable for as long as you remain eligible. Learn more.

How do I convert my AutoCAD free trial to a paid subscription?

Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy AutoCAD here. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.

Can I install Autodesk AutoCAD on multiple computers?

With a subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD software, you can install it on up to three computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the Software License Agreement for more information.

See more FAQ

Are you a student or an educator?

See education resources

Benefits of buying AutoCAD direct with Autodesk

When you buy direct from Autodesk, you get the best value and terms we have to offer. Order online from the official Autodesk store, speak with our expert sales team, or buy with a certified Autodesk Partner.

 

All purchases are secure and come with a money-back guarantee. Financing options available. 

Get AutoCAD in a collection

Looking for a great deal? AutoCAD is included in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection and the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.

Legal terms and conditions

Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, AutoCAD and DWG are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

 

*Productivity data is based on a series of studies Autodesk commissioned from outside consultants. These seven tool-combination studies compared the performance of generic AutoCAD and AutoCAD-specific tool sets when used by experienced AutoCAD users to perform common tasks. In each of the seven studies, improvements in overall productivity were calculated by first calculating the sum of the time required to complete a specific task in the tool set and the sum of the time required to complete the corresponding task in regular AutoCAD, and then calculating these two times. The percentage difference between the sums. Like all other performance tests, test results may vary depending on the computer, operating system, filters, network environment at the testing location, and the source of the test sample. The test samples are from the UK and the testing location is in the UK, so the final results may be different from the results of tests conducted in other regions where you live. Product information and specifications are subject to change without notice. Autodesk provides this information "as is" and does not intend to provide any express or implied warranty of any kind with respect to the products and services related to this test.